IND vs AUS: Former Pakistan captain points out what could be the weak link for Australia against India

Australia is set to face India in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy for a four-match Test series, which is set to commence on February 9 in Nagpur. Australia will be looking to improve its records in India as in the last 18 years, as they have managed to win only one match on Indian soil. On the other hand, India will be looking to win the series to be in a comfortable position to play the finals of the Test Championship. As there is a lot at stake for India, it is expected that hosts can give spin-friendly pitches throughout the series.  

Indian spinners have been a nightmare for Aussies in the previous series. To counter all these issues, the Australian team have been preparing hard in their special camp in Bengaluru. However, Indian batters have also been in trouble against quality spinners. To exploit this weakness of the Indian Batting order, Australia have picked four spinners in the squad. Although, former Pakistan Captain Rashid Latif finds it a wrong move.

Speaking about the upcoming series Latif believes that playing second spinner against India could be a weak link for Australia. “The second spinner could be the weak link for Australia, be it Mitchell Swepson or Ashton Agar. Against Pakistan as well, Swepson played in Karachi, where the Test was drawn. Australia won the Lahore Test because of Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins’ excellent bowling. Lyon will have to bowl well again”, said Latif on his YouTube Channel ‘Caught Behind’.

Nathan Lyon can trouble India: Rashid Latif

Further, Latif suggested India not take Nathan Lyon lightly in the fourth innings. Latif believed that the experienced Aussie off-spinner can trouble Indian batters if the pitch offers any help. Although, Latif gave the Indian batters the upper hand in their home conditions.

“If there are turning pitches on offer, Nathan Lyon has enough experience (to exploit them). But India’s batters play him very well. Australia’s pitches are different – there is bounce over there and the ball also skids a bit. But the Indian batters will get additional time over here, so I feel they can manage well. India, however, cannot take him lightly in the fourth innings”, said Latif.